MOST COMMONLY USED MEDICAL ABBREVIATIONS (IHS 7.8)

To begin learning basic medical terminology, you will begin by learning about various medical abbreviations and how they are used. We will, throughout the remainder of the semester learn about the medical terms that you are likely to see, though weekly studies. You are required to complete at least one learning task that goes along with your weekly abbreviations. These tasks, which are based on your learning style, will help you learn the terms much easier and quickly. We will always go over the terms together, so that you understand how to pronounce them as well as a clear understanding of their meaning. LET THE FUN BEGIN!!!

Week 1 – August 22 – 26

Abd - abdomen

a.c. - Before meals (As in taking a medicine before meals)

ACL - Anterior cruciate ligament. ACL injuries are one of the most common ligament injuries to the knee.

(The ACL can be sprained or completely torn from trauma and/or degeneration.)

ADLs – Activities of daily living (Things your patient does every day, shower, brush teeth, etc.)

Ad lib - At liberty. For example, a patient may be permitted to move out of bed freely and orders would, therefore, be for activities to be ad lib.

AKA - Above the knee amputation.

Anuric - Not producing urine. (A person who is anuric is often critical and may require dialysis.)

b.i.d. - Twice daily. As in taking a medicine twice daily.

BKA - Below the knee amputation.

BM – Bowel Movement (solid waste)

Week 2 – August 29-September 2

BMP- Basic metabolic panel. Electrolytes (potassium, sodium, carbon dioxide, and chloride) and creatinine and glucose.

BP - Blood pressure. (It is one of the "vital signs.")

BS – bowel sounds ; breath sounds

BUN - blood urea nitrogen (lab test that measures amount of waste in the blood; indicates kidney function)

Bx – biopsy (taking a sample of tissue to test for disease)

C&S - Culture and sensitivity, (lab test performed to detect infection in the body & see what medication will destroy the pathogen)

C/O – Complaint(s) of; (what the patient tells you is wrong or what they’ve been feeling)

Cap- Capsule; (solid form of medication that is usually swallowed)

CBC - Complete blood count; (lab test that measures the quantity of different types of blood cells in the body)

CC - Chief complaint; (The patient's main concern, why they came to the doctor)

Week 3 September 6-9

Chemo – chemotherapy (chemicals given to kill cancerous cells)

CHF – congestive heart failure (heart loses its ability to pump efficiently)

CS – cesarean section (“C-section”; one method of delivering a baby)

CSF – cerebrospinal fluid (fluid that surrounds your brain & spinal cord; protects brain & provides nourishment, as well as removes waste products)

CV – cardiovascular (related to the heart, blood vessels, blood, etc.)

CVA – Cerebrovascular Accident (stroke; blood clot or rupture in the brain)

CXR – chest x-ray

D/C or DC - Discontinue or discharge. For example, a doctor will D/C a drug. Alternatively, the doctor might DC a patient from the hospital.

DM - Diabetes mellitus. (endocrine disorder where the pancreas doesn’t create enough insulin)

DNC, D&C, or D and C - Dilation and curettage. Widening the cervix and scrapping with a curette for the purpose of removing tissue lining the inner surface of the womb (uterus).

Week 4 September 12-16

DNR - Do not resuscitate. (If a patient is given a DNR order, they are not resuscitated if they are near death)

DOE - Dyspnea on exertion; Shortness of breath with activity.

DTR - Deep tendon reflexes. (A way for the doctor to test reflexes, uses a reflex hammer)

DVT - Deep venous thrombosis (Blood clot in large vein)

ETOH – Alcohol; ETOH intake history is often recorded as part of a patient history.

FX – Fracture

gtt – Drops (used when measuring how much of a medication to give over a certain time frame)

Week 5 September 19-23

EBL– estimated blood loss

ENT– ears, nose, and throat

ETT– endotracheal tube.

FBS– fasting blood sugar

FFP– fresh frozen plasma (given to pts w/ clotting disorders or liver damage to replace specific clotting factors and proteins)

FTT– failure to thrive (often used in r/t newborns who aren’t growing as they should)

FU– follow-up

GSW– gunshot wound

HA– headache

HAV– hepatitis A virus (infectious disease often spread by sex, poor hygiene or not washing hands. Attacks the liver)

Week 6 September 26 - 30

HBP– high blood pressure

HCT– hematocrit
HDL– high density lipoprotein

HEENT– head, eyes, ears, nose, throat
Hgb– hemoglobin

HIV– human immunodeficiency virus

HOB– head of bed

HR– heart rate
HS– at bedtime

HSM– hepatosplenomegaly

Week 7 October 3-7

HSV– herpes simplex virus
HTN– hypertension
Hx– history

I&O– intake and output

ICU– intensive care unit
ID– infectious disease or identification
IDDM– insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

IM– intramuscular

IRDM– insulin resistant diabetes mellitus

IV– intravenous

Week 8 October 10-14

JVD– jugular venous distention

KUB– kidneys, ureters, bladder
KVO– keep vein open

L– left

LDL– low density lipoprotein

LLL– left lower lobe

LMP– last menstrual period

LOC– loss of consciousness or level of consciousness
LP– lumbar puncture
LPN– licensed practical nurse

Week 9 October 17-21

LUL– left upper quadrant
LV– left ventricle

mL– milliliter

MMR– measles, mumps, rubella
MRI– magnetic resonance imaging
MRSA– methicillin resistant staph aureus

MVA– motor vehicle accident

NG– nasogastric
NIDDM– non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
NKA– no known allergies

Week 10 October 24-28

NKDA– no known drug allergies

NPO– nothing by mouth

NSAID– non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
NSR– normal sinus rhythm
NT– nasotracheal

OB– obstetrics

OD– overdose or right eye
OM– otitis media
OOB– out of bed

OR– operating room
OS– left eye

OT– occupational therapy or occupational therapist
OU– both eyes